NBA Trade Rumors: Mavs, Heat to target Gordon Hayward at deadline?
NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are two teams that could target Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline.
Roughly 15 games in, there are plenty of things that we know about the new NBA season. And one of the biggest is that there are teams that are quickly coming to the realization that they probably need to make an in-season move to compete with some of the high-level contenders in the league.
One of the teams that are probably in that place in the Eastern Conference is the Miami Heat, who have drastically underwhelmed throughout the first few weeks of the season. At the very least, the Heat needs to add some depth to the frontcourt. After losing PJ Tucker and not replacing him during the offseason, that’s where the Heat has struggled most.
Another team that could probably fall into that category in the Western Conference is the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs lost Jalen Brunson during the offseason and didn’t replace him at all. Even though the Mavs have been relatively good this season, it would be smart for them to add before the trade deadline.
According to a recent report, one player that both the Mavs and Heat could target ahead of the deadline is Gordon Hayward.
What Gordon Hayward could offer a contender?
It’s no surprise that there will be at least some teams in the market for a potential Hayward trade. Even though he is at a place in his career where he’s beyond his prime, he’s still a player that could prove to be valuable. Especially for a contender.
In eight games played this season, Hayward is averaging 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range. At least on paper, Hayward is still a productive player.
Where the concerns and risks run with Hayward are with his availability. He has a vast injury history and has struggled to remain on the floor. But that’s something that any team will have to weigh when pursuing him at the deadline.
Another thing that teams will have to weigh is whether they want to commit to another year of having him on their books. He’s due $31 million next season before his contract expires.
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Hayward would be an interesting addition for any team looking for help heading into the stretch run, but there is some complexity to a potential deal.